Internet of Things and Disaster Mitigation
The so-called internet of things (IOT) is a buzzword – for utilities as well as every other type of company out there – that is fast becoming a term as ubiquitous as big data, smart devices, and artificial intelligence. But what does it really mean? That is the burning question because right now, we don’t really know. But according to this article, the internet of things can be used to prepare cities for massive natural disasters.
How the Internet of Things Can Enable Preparedness
The internet of things can prep cities for disasters by providing data, plain and simple. This could generally be done via sensors that collect data, analyze it, and communicate the results to emergency personnel. These data points might include things like temperature, water quality, water levels, smoke density, and many other attributes. This insight, when communicated in real time, can prompt emergency action even before an event hits.
It is truly amazing how beneficial real-time intelligence can be. A fully sensor-enabled grid would be able to not only provide advanced warning, but may also be able to one-day trigger automatic mitigation strategies (such as evacuation protocols) to reduce overall impact.
Click on the article above for more comprehensive technical details on how smart cities can leverage sensors to keep prepared. The bottom line is that the internet of things is not going away, but it is also not the solution in and of itself – it is merely a platform to enable real time monitoring, communication, and above all – action! In other words, the internet of things, in this particular context, is simply a means to an end.
